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Aircraft engines are one of the most heavily instrumented parts of an aircraft, and the data from various types of instrumentation across these engines are continuously monitored both offline and online for potential anomalies. Vibration monitoring in aircraft engines is traditionally performed using an order tracking methodology. Currently, there are no representative and efficient physics-based models with the adequate fidelity to perform vibration predictions in aircraft engines, given various parametric dependencies existing among different attributes such as temperature, pressure, and external conditions. This gap in research is primarily attributed to the limited understanding of mutual interactions of different variables and the nonlinear nature of engine vibrations. The objective of the current study is three-fold: (i) to present a preliminary investigation of tracked order vibrations in aircraft engines and statistically analyze them in the context of their operating environment, (ii) to develop data-driven modeling methodology to approximate a dynamical system from input-output data, and (iii) to leverage these data-driven modeling methodologies to develop highly accurate models for tracked order vibration in a turbo-fan engine valid over a wide range of operating conditions. Off-the-shelf data-driven modeling techniques, such as machine learning methods (eg., regression, neural networks), have several drawbacks including lack of interpretability and limited scope, when applying them to a complex multiscale multi-physical dynamical system. Moreover, for dynamical systems with external forcing, the identified model should not only be suitable for a specific forcing function, but should also generally approximate the input-output behavior of the data source. The author proposes a novel methodology known as Wavelet-based Dynamic Mode Decomposition (WDMD). The methodology entails using wavelets in conjunction with input-output dynamic mode decomposition (ioDMD). Similar to time-delay embedded DMD (Delay-DMD), WDMD builds on the ioDMD framework without the restrictive assumption of full state measurements. The author demonstrates the present methodology's applicability by modeling the input-output response of an Euler-Bernoulli finite element beam model, followed by an experimental investigation. As a first step towards modeling the tracked order vibration amplitudes of turbofan engines, the interdependencies and cross-correlation structure between various thermo-mechanical variables and tracked order vibration are analyzed. The order amplitudes are further contextualized in terms of their operating regime, and exploratory data analyses are performed to quantify the variability within each operating condition (OC). The understanding of complex correlation structures is leveraged and subsequently utilized to model tracked order vibrations. Switching linear dynamical system (SLDS) models are developed using individual data-driven models constructed using WDMD, and its performance in approximating the dynamics of the $1^{st}$ order amplitudes are compared with the state-of-the-art time-delay embedded dynamic mode decomposition (Delay-DMD) and Lasso regression. A parametric approach is proposed to improve the model further by leveraging previously developed WDMD and Delay-DMD methods and a parametric interpolation scheme. In particular, a recently developed pole-residue interpolation scheme is adopted to interpolate between several linear, data-driven reduced-order models (ROMs), constructed using WDMD and Delay-DMD surrogates, at known parameter samples. The parametric modeling approach is demonstrated by modeling the transverse vibration of an axially loaded finite element (FE) beam, where the axial loading is the parameter. Finally, a parametric modeling strategy for tracked order amplitudes is presented by constructing locally valid ROMs at different parametric samples corresponding to each pass-off test. The performance of the parametric-ROM is quantified and compared with the previous frameworks. This work was supported by the Rolls-Royce Fellowship, sponsored by the College of Engineering, Virginia Tech. / Doctor of Philosophy / Vibrations in commercial aircraft engines are of utmost importance as they directly translate to aviation health and safety, and hence are continuously monitored both online and offline for potential abnormalities. Notably, this is of increased interest with the abundance of air transportation in today's world. However, there is limited understanding of the complex higher vibration in aircraft engines. Vibration engineers often face ambiguity when interpreting higher vibrations. This can often lead to a lengthy investigative process resulting in longer downtime and increased testbed occupancy, ultimately leading to revenue loss. It is often hypothesized that prior engine running conditions such as shutdown/cooling time between one engine run to another engine run affect the vibration profile. Nonetheless, there exists a gap in understanding tying together various historical operational conditions, temperature, pressures, and current operational conditions with the expected vibration in the engine. This study aims to fill some of these gaps in our understanding by proposing a data-driven strategy to model the vibrations in commercial aircraft engines. Subsequently, this data-driven model can serve as a baseline model to compare the observed vibrations with the model predicted vibration and supplement physics-based models. The data for the present study is generated by operating a commercial turbofan engine in a testbed. With the advent of machine learning and data fusion, various data-driven techniques exist to model dynamical systems. However, the complexity of the turbofan engine vibrations calls for developing new techniques applicable towards modeling the vibration characteristics of a turbofan engine. Specifically, this dissertation details the development of a novel methodology called Wavelet-based Dynamic Mode Decomposition (WDMD) and applies the technique to model input-output characteristics of various dynamical systems ranging from a numerical finite element (FE) beam to an experimental free-free beam to shaft vibrations in a turbofan engine. The study finally presents an improved modeling framework by incorporating the existing techniques with parametric dependencies. This enables the existing method to consider slight differences existing from one engine run to another, such as the history of the engine, the shutdown time, and the outside environmental parameters.

Navigation tools can be used to direct the amount of learner control and interactivity available in a hypermedia hybrid CD-ROM environment. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if varying the amount of learner control and interactivity through the used of navigation tools would influence the achievement and attitude of learners. The design of the study was a quasi-experimental study with random assignment of three ability levels of students to three navigation tool treatment groups. A 3 (navigation tool treatments) by 3 (ability levels) by 2 (achievement and attitude) factorial design was employed to test the hypotheses. A module titled The Poetry Portal was constructed to test 3 navigation tools (linear, menu and search engine) and their effect on achievement and attitude scores. One hundred forty-six eighth grade students were stratified into 3 ability levels (low, middle, high) by Stanford 9 scores. The module content correlated to the English 8 Virginia Standards of Learning. Results of this study based on the data are derived from descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA and a Tukey/Kramer Post Hoc test. The level of significance was set at .05. Results show a significant gain in achievement for high ability level students using the navigation tool search engine. Significant difference in attitude was found for all ability levels using the navigation tool menu. Suggestions for further research in this area are included. / Ph. D.

The allied campaign in Italy had a significant relevance during World War 2. It was one of the first joint operations carried out, which brought significant challenges. The general perception of the war in Italy was that it was a superior Allied victory and that it was unnecessary and costly, diverting resources from the planned invasion of Normandy. The British did not want to commit its forces to France until German resources were diminished and the Soviet Union demanded a new front in Europe. So, the Allies choose to hit the soft underbelly of the Axis, Italy. Once Italy removed itself from the war, the Allies expected an easy walk to Rome. But that’s not accurate, as the Germans in Italy proved to be a tough opponent despite their numerical inferiority. The major issue with victory in war is that it´s not black or white, victory can be seen from many different angles and perspectives.  This study aims to examine the campaign in Italy from Sicily to Rome based on two theories of victory. This is to gain a broader understanding of the campaign. From the analysis, it can be seen that both sides achieved victories from different perspectives.

A hanseníase, doença crônica, granulomatosa, infecto-contagiosa, transmitida pelo Mycobacterium leprae, ainda se mantém prevalente nos dias atuais, principalmente em países subdesenvolvidos. A OMS propôs aos países endêmicos um novo esquema terapêutico alternativo para pacientes com hanseníase paucibacilar com lesão única, que vem sendo implantado gradativamente no Brasil, constituindo-se da administração de rifampicina (600mg), ofloxacina (400mg) e minociclina (100mg), em dose única. Sendo uma estratégia recente, estudos são necessários para se avaliar a toxicidade principalmente na associação medicamentosa dos fármacos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a correlação dose/concentração plasmática versus alterações bioquímicas, hematológicas, hemostáticas e histopatológicas da administração da rifampicina, ofloxacina e minociclina a ratos machos Wistar, em regime de dose única e múltiplas em monoterapia e na associação medicamentosa. Após a administração intraperitoneal dos fármacos nos animais, foi determinada a concentração plasmática por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), e avaliação dos parâmetros bioquímicos, hematológicos, hemostáticos e histopatológicos. A rifampicina e ofloxacina sofreram um aumento na concentração plasmática em esquema de dose única quando administradas associadas, e a minociclina uma redução. Em esquema de doses múltiplas, a rifampicina sofreu redução na concentração plasmática, a ofloxacina aumento, e a minociclina não sofreu alteração significativa, provavelmente por interferências em processos farmacocinéticos. Na análise bioquímica concluímos que houve alteração hepática e renal nos animais que receberam a rifampicina e o esquema ROM em dose única, fato não observado em regime de doses múltiplas. Com os parâmetros hematológicos e hemostáticos não obtivemos resultados suficientes para afirmar uma alteração clinicamente importante. A histopatologia confirmou a lesão hepática induzida por todos os fármacos em esquema de dose única e múltiplas, complementando de forma satisfatória o estudo proposto. Concluímos que a rifampicina provavelmente seja a principal responsável por alterações hepáticas e renais, e que as interações medicamentosas envolvendo o fármaco exigem estudos individualizados principalmente quando o fármaco é usado associado a ofloxacina e minociclina, que podem estar ligados a reações adversas de origem idiossincrásica. / Leprosy, a chronic granulomatous infectious-contagious disease transmitted by Mycobacterium leprae, continues to be prevalent today, especially in underdeveloped countries. The WHO has proposed a new alternative treatment scheme to endemic countries for patients with paucibacillary leprosy with a single lesion. This scheme is being gradually implanted in Brazil and consists of the administration of rifampicin (600 mg), ofloxacin (400 mg) and minocycline (100 mg) in a single dose. Since this is a recent strategy, studies are necessary to determine the toxicity of the treatment, especially regarding the medicamentous combination of the drugs. The objective of the present study was to investigate the dose/plasma concentration correlation regarding biochemical, hematologic, hemostatic and histopathological changes induced by the administration of rifampicin, ofloxacin and minocycline to male Wistar rats as a single dose or multiple doses in monotherapy and polytherapy. After intraperitoneal administration of the drugs, their plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the biochemical, hematologic, hemostatic and histopathological parameters were determined. Plasma rifampicin and ofloxacin concentrations were increased in the single dose scheme when administered in combination, whereas minocycline concentration was reduced. When administered in the multiple dose scheme, rifampicin showed reduction in plasma concentration, ofloxacin showed increase, and minocycline showed no significant change, probably due to interferences in the pharmacokinetic processes. Biochemical analysis revealed hepatic and renal changes in the animals that received rifampicin and the ROM scheme in a single dose, a fact not observed in the multiple dose regimen. Regarding the hematologic and hemostatic parameters, we did not obtain sufficient result to indicate a clinically important alteration. Histopathology confirmed the hepatic damage induced by all drugs administered as a single dose or multiple doses, satisfactorily complementing the proposed study. We conclude that rifampicin may probably be the drug mainly responsible for the hepatic and renal changes and that medicamentous combinations involving this drug require individualized studies, especially when the drug is used in combination with ofloxacin and minocycline, that may be linked to adverse reactions of idiosyncratic origin.

Este trabalho tem seu foco no problema de sequenciamento e programação da lavra em mina a céu aberto, com alocação de equipamentos de carregamento. Neste estudo considera-se a existência de uma frota heterogênea de equipamentos de carga e dois tipos de material lavráveis, sendo minério ou estéril. Para a lavra de minério são considerados requisitos de qualidade a serem atingidos pela mistura de minério, um britador, uma capacidade de operação atribuída à usina de beneficiamento e uma pilha de estoque objetivando abastecer a usina quando faltar minério nas frentes de lavra, denominada pilha de ROM. Em uma mina o carregamento pode ser gerido por um plano de lavra que descreve a movimentação e a produção horária de cada equipamento de carga ao longo do tempo. Neste contexto, apresenta-se um modelo matemático apoiado por um algoritmo responsável por mover o horizonte de tempo a cada execução do modelo com intuito de gerar ordens de lavra resolvidas com otimalidade. Juntas, essas ordens descreverão o plano de lavra dos equipamentos de carga. Os experimentos computacionais, realizados utilizando dados de uma jazida de cobre, mostram a efetividade da proposta considerando um horizonte de médio prazo. / This paper focuses on the mining scheduling problem in open pit, considering the allocation of loading equipment. This study considers the existence of a heterogeneous fleet loading equipment and two types of mineable material, namely ore or waste. For the mining of ore are considered quality requirements to be met by the ore blending, a crusher, the capacity of operation of the processing plant and a stockpile which feed the plant when there is lack of ore in mining fronts, called ROM stockpile. In a mine, loading can be managed by a mining plan that describes the movement and the schedule of each load equipment over time. In this context, we present a mathematical model supported by an algorithm that is responsible for moving the time horizon for each model run, with the goal of generating mining orders till resolved to optimality. Together, these orders describe the mining plan of the loading equipment. The computational experiments, conducted using data from a copper deposit, show the effectiveness of the proposal considering a medium-term horizon.

Este trabalho tem seu foco no problema de sequenciamento e programação da lavra em mina a céu aberto, com alocação de equipamentos de carregamento. Neste estudo considera-se a existência de uma frota heterogênea de equipamentos de carga e dois tipos de material lavráveis, sendo minério ou estéril. Para a lavra de minério são considerados requisitos de qualidade a serem atingidos pela mistura de minério, um britador, uma capacidade de operação atribuída à usina de beneficiamento e uma pilha de estoque objetivando abastecer a usina quando faltar minério nas frentes de lavra, denominada pilha de ROM. Em uma mina o carregamento pode ser gerido por um plano de lavra que descreve a movimentação e a produção horária de cada equipamento de carga ao longo do tempo. Neste contexto, apresenta-se um modelo matemático apoiado por um algoritmo responsável por mover o horizonte de tempo a cada execução do modelo com intuito de gerar ordens de lavra resolvidas com otimalidade. Juntas, essas ordens descreverão o plano de lavra dos equipamentos de carga. Os experimentos computacionais, realizados utilizando dados de uma jazida de cobre, mostram a efetividade da proposta considerando um horizonte de médio prazo. / This paper focuses on the mining scheduling problem in open pit, considering the allocation of loading equipment. This study considers the existence of a heterogeneous fleet loading equipment and two types of mineable material, namely ore or waste. For the mining of ore are considered quality requirements to be met by the ore blending, a crusher, the capacity of operation of the processing plant and a stockpile which feed the plant when there is lack of ore in mining fronts, called ROM stockpile. In a mine, loading can be managed by a mining plan that describes the movement and the schedule of each load equipment over time. In this context, we present a mathematical model supported by an algorithm that is responsible for moving the time horizon for each model run, with the goal of generating mining orders till resolved to optimality. Together, these orders describe the mining plan of the loading equipment. The computational experiments, conducted using data from a copper deposit, show the effectiveness of the proposal considering a medium-term horizon.

A hanseníase, doença crônica, granulomatosa, infecto-contagiosa, transmitida pelo Mycobacterium leprae, ainda se mantém prevalente nos dias atuais, principalmente em países subdesenvolvidos. A OMS propôs aos países endêmicos um novo esquema terapêutico alternativo para pacientes com hanseníase paucibacilar com lesão única, que vem sendo implantado gradativamente no Brasil, constituindo-se da administração de rifampicina (600mg), ofloxacina (400mg) e minociclina (100mg), em dose única. Sendo uma estratégia recente, estudos são necessários para se avaliar a toxicidade principalmente na associação medicamentosa dos fármacos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a correlação dose/concentração plasmática versus alterações bioquímicas, hematológicas, hemostáticas e histopatológicas da administração da rifampicina, ofloxacina e minociclina a ratos machos Wistar, em regime de dose única e múltiplas em monoterapia e na associação medicamentosa. Após a administração intraperitoneal dos fármacos nos animais, foi determinada a concentração plasmática por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), e avaliação dos parâmetros bioquímicos, hematológicos, hemostáticos e histopatológicos. A rifampicina e ofloxacina sofreram um aumento na concentração plasmática em esquema de dose única quando administradas associadas, e a minociclina uma redução. Em esquema de doses múltiplas, a rifampicina sofreu redução na concentração plasmática, a ofloxacina aumento, e a minociclina não sofreu alteração significativa, provavelmente por interferências em processos farmacocinéticos. Na análise bioquímica concluímos que houve alteração hepática e renal nos animais que receberam a rifampicina e o esquema ROM em dose única, fato não observado em regime de doses múltiplas. Com os parâmetros hematológicos e hemostáticos não obtivemos resultados suficientes para afirmar uma alteração clinicamente importante. A histopatologia confirmou a lesão hepática induzida por todos os fármacos em esquema de dose única e múltiplas, complementando de forma satisfatória o estudo proposto. Concluímos que a rifampicina provavelmente seja a principal responsável por alterações hepáticas e renais, e que as interações medicamentosas envolvendo o fármaco exigem estudos individualizados principalmente quando o fármaco é usado associado a ofloxacina e minociclina, que podem estar ligados a reações adversas de origem idiossincrásica. / Leprosy, a chronic granulomatous infectious-contagious disease transmitted by Mycobacterium leprae, continues to be prevalent today, especially in underdeveloped countries. The WHO has proposed a new alternative treatment scheme to endemic countries for patients with paucibacillary leprosy with a single lesion. This scheme is being gradually implanted in Brazil and consists of the administration of rifampicin (600 mg), ofloxacin (400 mg) and minocycline (100 mg) in a single dose. Since this is a recent strategy, studies are necessary to determine the toxicity of the treatment, especially regarding the medicamentous combination of the drugs. The objective of the present study was to investigate the dose/plasma concentration correlation regarding biochemical, hematologic, hemostatic and histopathological changes induced by the administration of rifampicin, ofloxacin and minocycline to male Wistar rats as a single dose or multiple doses in monotherapy and polytherapy. After intraperitoneal administration of the drugs, their plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the biochemical, hematologic, hemostatic and histopathological parameters were determined. Plasma rifampicin and ofloxacin concentrations were increased in the single dose scheme when administered in combination, whereas minocycline concentration was reduced. When administered in the multiple dose scheme, rifampicin showed reduction in plasma concentration, ofloxacin showed increase, and minocycline showed no significant change, probably due to interferences in the pharmacokinetic processes. Biochemical analysis revealed hepatic and renal changes in the animals that received rifampicin and the ROM scheme in a single dose, a fact not observed in the multiple dose regimen. Regarding the hematologic and hemostatic parameters, we did not obtain sufficient result to indicate a clinically important alteration. Histopathology confirmed the hepatic damage induced by all drugs administered as a single dose or multiple doses, satisfactorily complementing the proposed study. We conclude that rifampicin may probably be the drug mainly responsible for the hepatic and renal changes and that medicamentous combinations involving this drug require individualized studies, especially when the drug is used in combination with ofloxacin and minocycline, that may be linked to adverse reactions of idiosyncratic origin.

Nach dem Tod Neros im Jahr 69 n. Chr. begann in Rom ein Bürgerkrieg, der nacheinander vier Kaiser hervorbrachte – Galba, Otho, Vitellius und Vespasian. Nachdem Vespasian Vitellius besiegt hatte, konnte er das Imperium unter seiner Herrschaft einen und die flavische Dynastie begründen. Im Jahr 79 folgte ihm sein Sohn Titus auf dem Caesarenthron und diesem 81 n. Chr. der zweite Sohn Vespasians, Domitian, der bis 96 n. Chr. regierte. Die Familie stammte aus einer unbedeutenden Familie, so dass die faktische Macht ausschließlich auf den militärischen Fähigkeiten Vespasians und der Akzeptanz seiner Herrschaft durch das Heer beruhte. Von Anfang an bemühte sich Vespasian aber, das Volk und den Senat von seiner Herrschaft zu überzeugen. Gerade die kaiserliche Baupolitik ist ein Spiegel des Bemühens um Akzeptanz durch die drei entscheidenden Gruppen Roms, als Heer, Volk und Senat. Der Beitrag zeichnet die Baupolitik Vespasians und Titus’ nach und zeigt, wie die Bauten der Legitimation der Herrschaft dienten. / After the death of emperor Nero in 69 AD Rome has fallen into a civil war which saw four legitimate emperors. Having defeated the third one, Vitellius, Vespasian united Rome under his sole rule and founded the Flavian dynasty. He was followed in 79 by his son Titus. Descending from an unimportant family of unknown ancestry and his rule basing only on the strengh of his legions, Vespasian had to legitimise his rule in different ways, because a legitimate emperor had to be accepted by the three major groups in Rome, the Senate, the people of Rome and the Roman legions. In these times, royal building policy was of high importance for gaining acceptance by propagating ideas, which might achieve a consense of all subjects and which respond to the needs of all three groups. The article takes a look at the buildings that were erected by Vespasian and his successor Titus. In analysing them, we can find out in which way they helped to legitimise the rule of the new dynasty.

Nach dem Tod Neros im Jahr 69 n. Chr. begann in Rom ein Bürgerkrieg, der nacheinander vier Kaiser hervorbrachte – Galba, Otho, Vitellius und Vespasian. Nachdem Vespasian Vitellius besiegt hatte, konnte er das Imperium unter seiner Herrschaft einen und die flavische Dynastie begründen. Im Jahr 79 folgte ihm sein Sohn Titus auf dem Caesarenthron und diesem 81 n. Chr. der zweite Sohn Vespasians, Domitian, der bis 96 n. Chr. regierte. Die Familie stammte aus einer unbedeutenden Familie, so dass die faktische Macht ausschließlich auf den militärischen Fähigkeiten Vespasians und der Akzeptanz seiner Herrschaft durch das Heer beruhte. Von Anfang an bemühte sich Vespasian aber, das Volk und den Senat von seiner Herrschaft zu überzeugen. Gerade die kaiserliche Baupolitik ist ein Spiegel des Bemühens um Akzeptanz durch die drei entscheidenden Gruppen Roms, als Heer, Volk und Senat. Der Beitrag zeichnet die Baupolitik Vespasians und Titus’ nach und zeigt, wie die Bauten der Legitimation der Herrschaft dienten. / After the death of emperor Nero in 69 AD Rome has fallen into a civil war which saw four legitimate emperors. Having defeated the third one, Vitellius, Vespasian united Rome under his sole rule and founded the Flavian dynasty. He was followed in 79 by his son Titus. Descending from an unimportant family of unknown ancestry and his rule basing only on the strengh of his legions, Vespasian had to legitimise his rule in different ways, because a legitimate emperor had to be accepted by the three major groups in Rome, the Senate, the people of Rome and the Roman legions. In these times, royal building policy was of high importance for gaining acceptance by propagating ideas, which might achieve a consense of all subjects and which respond to the needs of all three groups. The article takes a look at the buildings that were erected by Vespasian and his successor Titus. In analysing them, we can find out in which way they helped to legitimise the rule of the new dynasty.